Scotland face England - and Wilkinson - at Twickenham

England arrived for their RBS 6 Nations opener against Scotland under blue skies at Twickenham with a spring in their step.

Today’s Calcutta Cup clash marked the dawn of a new era for England under coach Brian Ashton and a flashback to the glorious past, with the recall of Jonny Wilkinson, Jason Robinson and Mike Tindall rekindling memories of their 2003 World Cup triumph.

The debut of rugby league legend Andy Farrell added to the sense of expectation as England, with eight defeats from their previous nine matches, looked to give Ashton a winning start in the build-up to the 2007 World Cup.

Ashton rung the changes, with only Martin Corry and Joe Worsley keeping their places in the starting line-up from England’s embarrassing defeat by South Africa in the autumn.

While Farrell, chosen at inside centre alongside his old Wigan team-mate Robinson, and full-back Olly Morgan were making their England bows, Tindall, Corry and new skipper Phil Vickery were all earning their 50th caps.

Scotland, 33-1 championship outsiders, were hoping to spoil the party as they went in search of their first win at Twickenham for 24 years and their first back-to-back wins over England since 1984.